Prep schools could face funds cut

The Department of Education has said it is carrying out a review of funding for Northern Ireland's preparatory schools.

A 2006 education study said it was unfair to subsidise fee paying schools as they "can only be accessed by children whose parents can pay".

There are 17 prep schools attached to NI grammar schools and 2,500 primary age pupils attend them.

The Bain report in 2006 recommended a review of their funding and this started in the last few months.

The minister for education has told the review group to assess whether funding can continue given the financial pressures on the budget and the high number of surplus places in primary schools.

The Governing Bodies Association of Grammar Schools has said parents who pay extra fees are saving the state money.

It predicts, however, that grammar schools will eventually have to either increase fees for parents or close down the prep schools.